This novel weaves not just characters, but universes, in a tale that opens
the reader's eyes to another way of seeing. The title itself is a
metaphor.

We follow the life of protagonist, Mase, who has Down syndrome, and his
non-traditional family, who handle the challenges they face in surprising,
but productive ways. Much of Mase's ability to bridge two universes is
expressed through poetry and drawings with the help of his alter-ego,
Alfie.

Author H.T. Manogue writes: "Choices create our experiences, but beliefs
and perceptions as well as the influences surrounding those beliefs change
each experience."

The epiphanal moments that open each character's heart to embrace their
personal truth, invites the reader to view the world through the eyes of
someone they may never have met before.

We watch Mase not only navigate these separate universes, but create a
portal through his poetry and art, allowing those closest to him to share
his experiences. This all happens in a setting that evolves into a
sustainable community where nothing that can be used is thrown away and no
one is cast out.

Because the hero, Mase, has DS, much of the magic of this tale is in how
this physical manifestation, once thought to be evidence of mental
disability, may very well be evidence of an advanced thought process.

Mase, Russell chooses to manifest on Earth as a human with Downs syndrome in order to show us that we are more than we have perceived possible. He reveals that we are living behind the veil of this beauty parlor we call life, blinded by materialism, greed, and ego-centric notions that distort the true beauty of our spiritual selves.

Through Mase’s love, poetry, and art, his two moms Cindy and Margie; his biological donor and surrogate father Alan; and his grandparents Warren and Claire, we learn that we are living parallel lives in other dimensions.

After a near-death experience that changed their marriage and every aspect of their lives, Warren and Claire convert their Nashville acreage into Perception Farms, an eco-friendly community where homeless people are restored to dignity and productivity through education, understanding, and spiritual awareness. Follow the Russell family as they expand their minds and the outreach of their commune through wisdom and a love strong enough to change the world.

Depicting fantasy-like scenery and utmost respect for Mother Nature, Living Behind the Beauty Shop will inspire readers to accept diversity, honor all life, and live in a higher awareness of truth.

ExcerptMargrit Maria O’Brien was a bit nervous as the young nurse moved the nose of the ultrasound machine across her stomach. Cynthia Russell, Margie’s partner, sat next to the table anxiously looking at the screen. Fifteen weeks had passed since Margie was inseminated and discovered she was pregnant. Cindy and Margie couldn’t believe the news when old Doc Mathews confirmed the pregnancy.
Ben Mathews was never one to mince words. He told the couple the news and in the same breath said, “I think it would be a good idea to run some tests as soon as possible; at your age there could be issues that we should be aware of sooner than later.” Margie looked at Cindy and they both shook their heads in agreement. Margie was pushing forty and the father was forty one, but in extremely good physical condition. As the nurse continued to show them their new arrival, Cindy looked over at Margie, “I can’t believe it Margie this is what we’ve been waiting for, but I still have a strange feeling about all of this. I’m getting strange vibes as I look at the screen.”
“Me too,” Margie smiled. “I know it’s a boy and I can feel a strange energy running through my body, I hear a faint whisper that’s relaxing and comforting. It’s like someone is telling me that know matter what, everything is going to be okay. I feel this wave of unexplainable energy around the baby.”